Kolkata: Director Nitesh Tiwari’s much-awaited mythological epic Ramayana has received a major boost ahead of its theatrical release, with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announcing that the film will be tax-free in the state. The announcement was made during Vijayadashami celebrations at Central Park in Kolkata, attended by the film’s lead stars Ranbir Kapoor and Yash.
The first instalment of Ramayana is scheduled to release worldwide on November 5, 2026, and has already generated significant excitement among moviegoers.
CM Suvendu Adhikari Announces Tax-Free Status
Speaking to ANI after the event, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari confirmed that Ramayana would be exempt from entertainment tax in West Bengal.
He said the state had earlier granted tax-free status to films such as The Kerala Story, The Kashmir Files and The Bengal Files, adding that Ramayana would receive the same benefit.
The Chief Minister also expressed optimism about the future of mythological cinema, saying audiences can look forward to more films based on Indian epics and characters such as Lord Krishna, Arjuna and the Mahabharata.
Advance Booking Sees Strong Response
The film has witnessed an impressive start in advance bookings ahead of its release. According to Sacnilk, Ramayana has sold opening-day tickets worth approximately ₹1.53 crore for November 5, including block bookings.
Without block bookings, the advance collection stands at ₹63.32 lakh. Maharashtra currently leads the state-wise booking figures with ₹57.09 lakh, followed by Gujarat at ₹17.87 lakh and Delhi at ₹15.10 lakh. Nearly 95% of the film’s advance booking revenue comes from the top 10 states.
Star-Studded Cast Brings the Epic to Life
The two-part adaptation of the Indian epic features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. The ensemble cast also includes Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman, Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi and Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari.
Supporting roles are played by Vivek Oberoi, Kunal Kapoor, Adinath Kothare, Arun Govil and Indira Krishnan.
Two-Part Release Planned
Produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in association with DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, Ramayana will be released in two parts. The first instalment arrives in cinemas on November 5, 2026, while the second chapter is scheduled for release during Diwali 2027.
